description European Common Frog Overview
The European Common Frog (Rana temporaria) is a widely distributed amphibian whose range extends from Ireland and the Iberian Peninsula across continental Europe to the Ural Mountains in Russia. Adults typically reach 6 to 9 centimeters in body length and display variable coloration in shades of brown, olive, or grey, often with darker markings. The species breeds communally in shallow ponds during early spring, when females lay gelatinous egg masses containing 1,000 or more eggs. It occupies diverse habitats including woodlands, heathlands, and suburban gardens.
insights Ranking position
European Common Frog ranks #93 of 213 in the Amphibian ranking, behind Natterjack Toad, ahead of Magnificent Tree Frog.
help European Common Frog FAQ
Where can European common frogs be found in the wild?
Rana temporaria occurs across much of Europe, from Ireland and Scandinavia eastward toward the Ural Mountains. It favors damp habitats such as woodland, wet meadows, gardens, and the edges of freshwater ponds.
When do European common frogs lay frogspawn?
Breeding usually begins in late winter or spring, although timing varies considerably with latitude and temperature. The frogs gather in shallow, still water and lay their eggs in familiar clumps of floating spawn.
How can you distinguish a common frog from a common toad?
A European common frog generally has smooth, moist skin, long hind legs, and a dark patch behind each eye. The common toad, Bufo bufo, has drier, bumpier skin and normally crawls instead of making long jumps.
Do European common frogs spend the winter underwater?
Some common frogs hibernate in pond mud or other oxygenated underwater sites, while others shelter on land beneath logs, stones, or leaf litter. An underwater frog can absorb enough oxygen through its skin while its cold body is largely inactive.
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